375 rural kids from 12 dists in sports meet

Ranchi: To promote education and sports in rural areas, the two-day Dakshin Jharkhand Sambhag Prantiya Sports Competition (South Jharkhand Division Provincial Sports Competition) was inaugurated on Saturday at the Birsa Munda Athletics Stadium in Khelgaon, under the auspices of the Vanbandhu Parishad of Ekal Abhiyan.
Chief managing director (CMD) of Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) PM Prasad inaugurated the event.
The secretary of Vanbandhu Parishad East Zone, Rekha Jain, said, “This initiative provides a platform for talented children across rural areas. This is a golden chance of bringing them into the mainstream and showcasing their talent at the national level. In February, the winners will travel to Lucknow to compete at the National Games. Those who become national champions will be trained by the Sports Authority of India.”
A total of 375 children between 6 and 19 years of age from 4,000 villages spread across 12 districts in south Jharkhand would participate in the sports competition, which included running, long jump, high jump, wrestling, and kabbadi, among others. The participants belong to Medininagar, Latehar, Khunti, Ranchi, East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, Lohardaga, Gumla, Simdega, Ramgarh, Garhwa and Saraikela-Kharsawan districts.
The president of the Ranchi chapter of the Vanbandhu Parishad, Ramesh Dharnidharka, said, “By organising competitions at the village level, zonal level, etc., these childrens’ talents are exhibited at national and international platforms.”